A Zika Action Day is the newest activity being planned to retain awareness of the disease in the minds of residents and encourage them to take steps to protect themselves and their families from Zika.
The event, planned by the Department of Health and US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, is set for this Saturday from 8 am to noon at the parking lot of Neil’s Ace Home Center in Malaeimi.
Dr. Loretta Jackson Brown. Health Communication Specialist for CDC, says they will have informational sessions on steps that people can take to prevent exposure to Zika.
The Zika virus is spread by mosquitoes and since the first cases were recorded here almost six months ago, health authorities have been promoting the three D’s: drain water, dress appropriately and use insect repellant that contains Deet.
The Island Wide Clean Up Committee now holds regular clean up days.
Dr. Brown said there’s still a lot to learn about the effects of Zika on the babies of mothers who contract the virus while pregnant.
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The Zika action day will also offer free Zika screening for pregnant women and other health screening and activities for the children. There’ll also be a drawing for a prize donated by Neil’s Ace Home Center.
Dr. Brown invites the public to come along and learn more about ways to stay Zika free.
